If you think you’re too busy to take a vacation, consider the benefits you’re missing out on. Of course, if you do most of your business in the summer months, a winter vacation is more appropriate, but for everyone else, particularly those with children, it’s not too late to make summer getaway plans.
5. Better Relationships
Those kids aren’t going to hang out with you forever. The formative years are important and spending quality time with them and your significant other is important for all of you. Be fully present to talk and take part in activities, and you’ll enjoy the benefits long after you’re back at work.
Being away from work also makes you a better leader relationally. When you’re less stressed, you’re more likely to be empathetic, patient, and a better listener, which strengthens your working relationships as well as your family ones. Research on leadership and breaks shows that time away reduces stress hormones that impair mood, communication, and judgment, making it easier to connect with others in healthy ways.
4. More Retirement Years
Taking regular time off will contribute to a longer life. Working towards your retirement dream is futile if you don’t get the years to enjoy it. Work is stressful. Day-to-day life is stressful. Stress causes your body to react in ways that are harmful over a long period of time. Your risk of developing a serious health ailment or making an existing one worse is much higher if you don’t lower that stress regularly.
Studies on vacations and health have found that time away from work reduces stress levels and can improve overall wellbeing, helping protect against the long-term impact of chronic stress on the heart, immune system, and mental health.
3. Increased Creativity and Productivity
Constant stress also takes a toll on your ability to think clearly. Both creativity and cognitive processing are impaired. Even a short vacation in a more relaxing environment will improve problem-solving and productivity. You’ll also sleep better during and after the break.
Research on breaks and time off shows that stepping away from constant “go mode” improves focus, enhances memory, and boosts productivity once you return. Fully unplugged breaks reduce decision fatigue and help you see problems with fresh eyes. Leaders who take time away often report gaining new perspectives on their work and priorities, which translates into better decisions and more innovative ideas.
2. Opportunities
Allowing others the opportunity to step up for a short time gives them confidence and gives you a chance to see what they can do. Be thoughtful though when you delegate. You want them to make day-to-day operational decisions, not ones that could change the trajectory of your company.
Your absence can actually be a powerful development tool. When leaders step away, team members are forced to solve problems, take initiative, and make decisions without constant supervision. This builds capability, trust, and engagement. Research shows that when employees feel trusted in this way, their motivation and confidence grow, and so does their productivity.
1. Leading by Example
To get the most out of your employees, they need vacations too. Show them that it’s a good idea and one that you encourage. Your entire business will benefit.
Organizations that support worklife balance and time off see higher employee engagement and better financial performance. One analysis found that companies with highly engaged employees improved operating income by nearly 20% annually on average, and flexible schedules and remote options were rated effective supports for worklife balance and mental health by 95% of employees.
When leaders never truly unplug, teams get the message that rest isn’t really allowed. By modeling healthy time off, you normalize breaks, reduce burnout risk, and build a sustainable culture where people can do their best work for the long term.
